The Redeemer Community was saddened by the news of the death of Pieter Harsevoort, who passed away on January 26, 2017, at the age of 34. He was surrounded by family in his hometown of Hamilton, Ont.

Pieter was a strong presence at Redeemer and was honoured as the class speaker at his 2006 graduation ceremony, having earned a BA with a double major in religion and theology (honours) and philosophy. Pieter later came back to complete a B.Ed. in 2011.

“Pieter was a remarkable man and a true gift to Redeemer.”

“Pieter was a remarkable man and a true gift to Redeemer,” says Dr. Phil Teeuwsen, director of teacher education at Redeemer. His graceful and humble character, as well as his courage in the face of his disabilities were a lesson and encouragement to many who walked through Redeemer’s halls. He was well loved and had a zest for life.

At Timothy Christian School, also in Hamilton, Pieter loved his job as an educational assistant — a clear sign that his positivity influenced more than one education institution. He had recently been in the news publicly advocating for the rights of those with disabilities, offering testimony and commentary during governmental debate over the recently- enacted Bill C-14 (Medical Assistance in Dying) in 2016.

Pieter took comfort in the words of John 14:2-3: “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you will be also.”